Main » Astros under scrutiny in sign-stealing controversy against Red Sox

Astros under scrutiny in sign-stealing controversy against Red Sox

18 October 2018

Major League Baseball says an investigation has concluded that a Houston Astros employee seen taking photos or video near Cleveland's dugout during Game 3 of the AL Division Series was merely monitoring the field to ensure the Indians weren't violating any rules.

The Houston Astros may have been caught cheating during Game 1 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday. It's still fishy and the league told the Astros not to do that anymore and report it to the proper authorities. The man had a small camera and was texting frequently, but did not have a media credential.

McLaughlin is not listed as an Astros employee, but is reportedly connected with team owner Jim Crane.

The utilization of technology in sign-stealing efforts isn't likely to go away, and it'll continue to force teams and players into more rigorous efforts to protect signs.

Major League Baseball told the Metro the matter is being handled internally. Doing such things without technology is surely done by every team in some way, as signs aren't changed often enough and pitchers tip their pitches at times. ESPN's Buster Olney pointed out the Red Sox were using multiple signs with the bases empty to avoid having their signs stolen, though they did that long before their series with Houston.

More to come from Houston.

"I'm aware of something going on, but I haven't been briefed", Astros manager A.J. Hinch said after Tuesday's Game 3 loss to the Sox.

"I'm always concerned about [sign-stealing] throughout the season", Cora said after the game.

"Before the Postseason began, a number of Clubs called the Commissioner's Office about sign stealing and the inappropriate use of video equipment".

The Red Sox have now averaged 6.5 runs per game in the playoffs. Ironically, it was the Red Sox who were fined by the league last season for using an Apple Watch in a sign-stealing scheme.

After the Indians lost the American League Division Series to the Astros in a three-game sweep last week, Cleveland said a man was seen with a cellphone standing by the photographer's pit at Progressive Field, the Indians' home park, October 8.

These Red Sox seem to treat imposing road locales with the same laissez-faire attitude that Rocky Balboa treated Russian Federation when he took on Ivan Drago.